Dawes Arboretum » Special Eventshttp://dawesarb.org
Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:19:39 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.6Food Truck Festival!http://dawesarb.org/blog/food-truck-festival/
http://dawesarb.org/blog/food-truck-festival/#commentsFri, 31 Jul 2015 17:19:39 +0000http://dawesarb.org/?p=3821Food Truck Festival by Sarah Mill, Director of Education The 2nd Annual Food Truck Festival is nearly upon us! In 2014, we invited four food trucks and a bakery, along with three local breweries, to share their eats and spread the message of local food, in a new event at The Arboretum. With no attendance records to […]

The 2nd Annual Food Truck Festival is nearly upon us! In 2014, we invited four food trucks and a bakery, along with three local breweries, to share their eats and spread the message of local food, in a new event at The Arboretum. With no attendance records to plan from, we thought we might see a few hundred people through the gates. Boy, were we surprised when nearly 1,400 guests showed up to fill their bellies! Children played with the large parachute and made bubbles while adults munched on meals from vendors and sipped on beer brewed right here in Licking County.

This year, we’ve expanded the menu to include a dozen vendors and counting, boasting a variety of food and beverages. We’ve also invited Ohio wineries to be part of the mix and added to the fun with music and a special children’s food option.

We hope you’ll join us for dinner on Friday, August 21st from 4 – 8pm!

]]>http://dawesarb.org/blog/food-truck-festival/feed/0Hunting for Treasurehttp://dawesarb.org/blog/hunting-for-treasure-2/
http://dawesarb.org/blog/hunting-for-treasure-2/#commentsTue, 12 May 2015 21:05:33 +0000http://dawesarb.org/?p=3716Hunting for Treasure by Mike Ecker, Director of Horticulture People love hunting for treasures whether they do so in antique stores, old book stores or at the ever popular yard sales. But I propose that among the favorite places to find treasure is right here at The Dawes Arboretum at the Spring Plant Sale and […]

People love hunting for treasures whether they do so in antique stores, old book stores or at the ever popular yard sales. But I propose that among the favorite places to find treasure is right here at The Dawes Arboretum at the Spring Plant Sale and Garden Fair. Always held on the 3rd weekend in May this year’s sale (May 16, 2015) is sure to be loaded with some treasures you can take home for your very own.

A treasure’s value, such as gold, can grow over time if invested wisely. However, a properly selected, sited, and well-cared for tree can provide a more enjoyable return. Although some might disagree, you can’t sit in the cooling, relaxing shade of your gold.

It’s no secret invested money should be diversified for protection and maximized return over time. Guess what? The same is true for the plants in your garden. Diversifying the landscape’s plant palette protects against one disease or insect becoming a major headache. But even after chestnut blight, Dutch elm disease, Emerald Ash borer, structural issues with Bradford Callery pear, humans tend to really like monoculture plantings. There is nothing like a few miles and several thousand identical trees to get cameras clicking.

Plant diversity does more than protect against catastrophic occurrences. It also provides a variety of flowering colors and times, textures, various fall colors, winter interest, opportunities for food and shelter for wildlife.

Knowing now how important plant diversity is in the garden, plan on coming to the Spring Plant Sale and Garden Fair to begin adding that diversity. In the not too distant future you too can sit beneath the shade of a tree and contemplate your gold’s value.

Think about adding a few of the following plants, just a smattering of our complete sale inventory:

]]>http://dawesarb.org/blog/hunting-for-treasure-2/feed/0Arbor Day – A Celebration of Trees!http://dawesarb.org/blog/arbor-day-a-celebration-of-trees/
http://dawesarb.org/blog/arbor-day-a-celebration-of-trees/#commentsWed, 15 Apr 2015 17:26:25 +0000http://dawesarb.org/?p=3674Arbor Day – A Celebration of Trees Sarah Mill Director of Education I was the odd kid at an urban elementary school in Columbus who forewent relay races and tetherball to collect honey locust seed pods and dig-up rocks in the corners of the school yard. So, it came as no surprise when, on Arbor […]

Sarah Mill

Director of Education

I was the odd kid at an urban elementary school in Columbus who forewent relay races and tetherball to collect honey locust seed pods and dig-up rocks in the corners of the school yard. So, it came as no surprise when, on Arbor Day, I could be found “rescuing” white pine seedlings, neglected by other students into the depths of trash cans. The trees, which I imagine had been donated, were unlikely to find loving homes on many of the city lots where most of my fellow students lived. Fortunately, I had a rural playground—a piece of land that my family had purchased in southeastern Ohio. My dad, who has a particular fondness for trees, planted the seedlings in drywall buckets and nurtured them in the backyard, later transplanting them onto the property. Many died, but a dozen-or-so still stand strong along the property’s fence line, greeting visitors as they arrive.

At The Arboretum, Arbor Day is kind of a big deal. The holiday, the brainchild of Julius Sterling Morton and first celebrated in 1892, was set aside for the purpose of planting trees and increasing awareness about their importance. Trees are central to all that we do at The Dawes Arboretum, and our annual Arbor Day Festival is no exception.

The Arbor Day Festival takes place annually on the Saturday after the last Friday in April (sometimes it lands in May!) April. All are invited to join Arboretum staff, volunteers and local community partners on Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 10am – 4pm, where opportunities abound to explore the importance of trees. Tree climbing, wood carving demonstrations, crafts, displays, an exploration of your family tree and a plant sale are just some of the activities in which you’ll be able to participate. Our friends from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will provide “animal encounters” with critters who love trees in the All Seasons Garden at noon and 1pm. The first 250 families will receive a free tree to plant, in honor of the holiday—just remember, I’ll be on the look-out to be sure you don’t drop it in the waste bin!

]]>http://dawesarb.org/blog/arbor-day-a-celebration-of-trees/feed/0Boom Year for Maple Syrup?http://dawesarb.org/blog/boom-year-maple-syrup/
http://dawesarb.org/blog/boom-year-maple-syrup/#commentsMon, 09 Feb 2015 16:44:48 +0000http://dawesarb.org/?p=3553By Beth Spieles, Interpretive Educator The forecasts may be lining up to predict a bountiful harvest of maple syrup this year. Ecologists at Tufts University have reported evidence of a correlation between seed production and syrup production. Since 2014 was considered a low mast year for maples (meaning fewer of those helicopter seeds were produced), […]

The forecasts may be lining up to predict a bountiful harvest of maple syrup this year. Ecologists at Tufts University have reported evidence of a correlation between seed production and syrup production. Since 2014 was considered a low mast year for maples (meaning fewer of those helicopter seeds were produced), the trees may have used less energy for seed production, resulting in more energy stored as sugar.

Of course, the effect of weather on sap flow cannot be denied. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, syrup production was down 10% in 2014 as compared to 2013. In Ohio, the season of sap flow averaged just 29 days in 2014 compared to the 37-day season in 2013. Sap won’t flow when the temperature drops below freezing. And we all remember how often that happened during the winter of 2014!

CNN has put maple syrup on its top ten food trends of 2015, commenting that concerns with the stability of honeybee populations are sending chefs in search of other natural sugar alternatives.

Come on out during The Arboretum’s maple syruping season to see if the predictions ring true and to follow the trend. Our season begins on Saturday, February 21st and runs through Sunday, March 8th. The log cabin is open Mondays through Saturdays 10am – 4pm and Sundays, 1 – 4pm. Public walking tours will depart from the Main Shelter on Saturdays during the season at 2pm.

]]>http://dawesarb.org/blog/boom-year-maple-syrup/feed/0Have you considered volunteering at The Arboretum?http://dawesarb.org/blog/considered-volunteering-arboretum/
http://dawesarb.org/blog/considered-volunteering-arboretum/#commentsMon, 26 Jan 2015 19:21:22 +0000http://dawesarb.org/?p=3526Last year we had nearly 200 people volunteer over 5000 hours! Dawes could not be the beautiful, amazing place it is without the support of our valued volunteers. If the winter cold has you moving in slow motion, know that we are busy preparing for the upcoming spring. One of the busiest times at The […]

]]>Last year we had nearly 200 people volunteer over 5000 hours! Dawes could not be the beautiful, amazing place it is without the support of our valued volunteers.

If the winter cold has you moving in slow motion, know that we are busy preparing for the upcoming spring. One of the busiest times at The Arboretum is just around the corner — Maple Syrup Madness. If you need a reason to get moving this winter, join us on Feb 19th from 9am — noon for a Maple Syrup Training. Then, sign-up for one or more evaporator shifts between February 21 through March 8.

As a maple syrup volunteer, you can choose to stay cozy warm in the Log Cabin while boiling down maple sap and talking with visitors, or lead a public tour along the new trail. As we move into spring, think ahead to the warmer, busier months and fun events like the Arbor Day Festival (April 25), Plant Sale and Garden Fair (May 16), Japanese Garden Opening (May 30) and Food Truck Rodeo (August 21). Or, do you have an interest in history? Join us after maple syrup training to learn about becoming a docent in the Daweswood House Museum and History Center .

As a volunteer, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a Sugar Maple Membership after 40 hours of service, can attend select classes and social events at The Arboretum at no cost and learn alongside knowledgeable staff. And don’t forget — you can use your volunteer hours at The Arboretum towards your Master Gardener or Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist requirements.

Come be an active part of what makes The Dawes Arboretum one of the greatest places in Ohio! If you would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer, contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 740.323.2355 or education@dawesarb.org.

]]>http://dawesarb.org/blog/considered-volunteering-arboretum/feed/0Small weddings budgets don’t mean “I can’t”http://dawesarb.org/blog/weddings-on-a-budget/
http://dawesarb.org/blog/weddings-on-a-budget/#commentsTue, 11 Nov 2014 15:28:43 +0000http://dawesarb.org/?p=3268| By Sharon Hupp, Events Coordinator | I have seen so many brides get flustered as to the cost of getting married. Simple can be so much more majestic and beautiful than the most detailed, ritzy wedding of the century. Let’s face it; most of us can’t afford to be like Prince William and Duchess […]

I have seen so many brides get flustered as to the cost of getting married. Simple can be so much more majestic and beautiful than the most detailed, ritzy wedding of the century. Let’s face it; most of us can’t afford to be like Prince William and Duchess Kate. I have seen and learned over the years at The Arboretum that a really elegant wedding can be done with some elbow grease from the couple, their friends and family paired with some creativity.

If you find yourself not to be the “crafty” type, which I can totally appreciate as my abilities are a little above stick people, Pinterest is a great place to start for ideas as well as wedding websites and blogs. A lot of the websites will have comment areas from other brides so you can get an idea of the level of difficulty it was to pull a certain look together and pictures to guide you to your own unique look.

One key element to affording what you desire is to start planning early. Consider venues like The Dawes Arboretum with our stunning vistas where natural decorations are built into the scenery for free. Many venues will book a year or two in advance with a small down payment. This will allow you to make payments or perhaps wait until tax time and pay the majority off. Be aware of deposit and payment policy as some could be non-refundable.

Secondly prepare your budget for each step of the wedding. Wedding websites provide checklists. You can use that to setup what you want to do and what you don’t want to do and appropriate funds to each section.

Focus on the one or two things that are truly important to you. If you have always dreamed of having a Cinderella gown, budget higher in that category—or if distinctive photos mean the world to you, invest in a great photographer with a second shooter. This is your day to share and show your love to the world and for you to enjoy as a couple. Make sure what is important to you comes first.

Good caterers can provide excellent food within in a budget. Be upfront with what your budget and expectations are so they can prepare a custom quote to best fit your needs. Some caterers will allow you to provide your own beverages as a cost savings. Check their policies. Instead of using rented table clothes purchase fabric on sale. A quick sew on the edges and it will look great! Round tables work just fine with a square cloth. A fabric burlap runner with some wild flowers in assorted sized vases with a few candles scattered on the table is simple and such an elegant look. Have your bridal party and family help you pull this together.

Ask family and friends that have certain skills to help you in an area as their wedding gift to you. Perhaps there is a baker in the family that can do your wedding cake and thank you favors, maybe you have a crafty aunt that can put together your invitations—hand-made invitations are beautiful and more meaningful. This year at The Arboretum I have seen fathers building beautiful arbors that can then be transported to the reception for decoration behind the cake, mothers sewing table clothes, cousins and friends playing instruments for the bride to walk the aisle and one groom sing his bride down the aisle. There was not a dry eye in the garden including mine.

With careful and creative planning you can have the fairy tale wedding you dream about. Happy planning!

]]>http://dawesarb.org/blog/weddings-on-a-budget/feed/0Why Plant in Fall? Find out Now!http://dawesarb.org/blog/fallplants/
http://dawesarb.org/blog/fallplants/#commentsTue, 09 Sep 2014 20:39:41 +0000http://dawesarb.org/?p=3173Fall Plant Sale! Fall Plant Sale! Read all about it! | by Megan Fleischer, Display Gardens Manager It’s the time of year that I look forward to most—where a perfect day consists of cool, crisp morning air that slowly warms as the day ages. Jacket weather. Football. Tailgating. Pumpkin-flavored everything. It’s fall! We made […]

Fall Plant Sale! Fall Plant Sale! Read all about it!

| by Megan Fleischer, Display Gardens Manager

It’s the time of year that I look forward to most—where a perfect day consists of cool, crisp morning air that slowly warms as the day ages. Jacket weather. Football. Tailgating. Pumpkin-flavored everything. It’s fall! We made it, gardeners, another summer in the books. But wait, before you go hanging up your tools and packing away your gloves, let’s talk about the benefits of planting in the fall.

You’re not alone if you’ve held off from planting new plants right before the cold winter months set in. In fact, it’s a very common question I get at The Arboretum. However, you may be surprised to hear that a plant can establish itself in the ground by generating just as much new root growth in the fall than plants that were planted in spring of that same year. These new roots will help to anchor the new plant into the ground—a necessity to prevent the plant from being heaved up out of the soil when the ground freezes. Plus, fall’s traditionally cooler temperatures coupled with more frequent rainfall makes for ideal growing conditions for your plants.

Now that you have several more weeks of available planting time in your future, let’s talk about our Fall Perennial Plant Sale this Saturday, September 13,10am – 5pm.

Several of the knock-out native perennials that will be available at our sale include:

Aruncus ‘Misty Lace’

Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’

Eupatorium ‘Phantom’

Panicum ‘Blood Brothers’

Aster ‘Kickin®Lilac Blue’

Baptisia australis

Iris versicolor

Physostegia ‘Vivid’

Heuchera a. ‘Marvelous Marble’

Phlox ‘Triple Play’

Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’

Panicum ‘Northwind’

In addition to many more selections of native perennials we will have, be sure to peruse the trees and shrubs (some offered at discounted prices!) we will be showcasing at our sale as well. Knowledgeable staff will be on hand to answer your gardening questions. We are also thrilled to have the folks at Scioto Gardens (www.sciotogardens.com) back again this year to feature their locally grown stock of native plants. Hope to see you there!

]]>http://dawesarb.org/blog/fallplants/feed/0Granville Brewing Company is featured at Ales in the Garden July 26http://dawesarb.org/blog/ales/
http://dawesarb.org/blog/ales/#commentsFri, 18 Jul 2014 20:41:57 +0000http://dawesarb.org/?p=3095by Megan Fleischer, Display Gardens Manager | On July 26th, The Arboretum is hosting the 2nd Annual Ales in the Garden from 7pm – 9pm. A unique program partnering The Arboretum with a local brewery, this year we are excited to be featuring Granville Brewing Company. This evening promises to be a fun mix of plants, food, […]

by Megan Fleischer, Display Gardens Manager |
On July 26th, The Arboretum is hosting the 2nd Annual Ales in the Garden from 7pm – 9pm. A unique program partnering The Arboretum with a local brewery, this year we are excited to be featuring Granville Brewing Company. This evening promises to be a fun mix of plants, food, and libations–you won’t want to miss out!

Enjoy an evening with our Horticulture staff as you take in the beautiful sights of our Azalea Glen. Staff-lead guided tours will spotlight our favorite plants in this garden and the history of this space as it has evolved over the past 85 years.

Don’t be fooled by the name of the Azalea Glen as only having azaleas and rhododendrons within it–a closer look reveals a splendiferous display of colors and ornamental interest from a wide range of plants–there is much to see and learn about!

Known for their Belgian beers, owners Jay Parsons and Ross Kirk from Granville Brewing Company will impress attendees with their enthusiasm and knowledge as you taste these hugely flavorful brews. I would be remiss if I didn’t briefly mention the light-bites planned for this evening. A menu structured off the flavorful notes of each beer leaves me with one thought: Yum.

For a program description and to register, click here. *You must be 21 or over to attend this program*

]]>http://dawesarb.org/blog/ales/feed/0YOUR ARBORETUM SINCE 1929http://dawesarb.org/blog/85years/
http://dawesarb.org/blog/85years/#commentsFri, 30 May 2014 17:31:54 +0000http://dawesarb.org/?p=2928Your support of The Dawes Arboretum is greatly appreciated! Participate in our survey to let us know how we can improve. Founded in 1929 the Dawes family helped initiate some of Ohio’s early research in reforestation on a small farm located just north of the National Road. Since then, The Dawes Arboretum has grown to become one […]

Founded in 1929 the Dawes family helped initiate some of Ohio’s early research in reforestation on a small farm located just north of the National Road. Since then, The Dawes Arboretum has grown to become one of North America’s leading arboreta—and it is in YOUR backyard!

Today, our mission of “Increasing the love and knowledge of trees, history and the natural world” remains strong with more than 20,000 education participants and over 260,000 visitors annually. Our dedication to conservation continues through educational programs, research and maintaining diverse plant collections and habitats for the public to enjoy.

As a living museum we encompass nearly 2,000 acres of gardens, plant collections, forests, meadows and wetlands provide inspiration, education and beauty for local and national visitors alike. Your support helps us to restore and maintain critical habitats essential for Ohio River Valley plant species and wildlife.

Help us preserve and protect our natural world. Participate in our mission today with a visit to our grounds where you can enjoy our beautiful landscapes, take a class, attend an event or volunteer your time.

The Dawes Arboretum, more than a walk in the park.

—Luke Messinger, Executive Director

GET INVOLVED

As the largest arboretum in the country with no entry fee, we need your commitment to grow. During The Arboretum’s 85th year, plan a visit, make a donationor give your time and volunteer.

The Dawes Arboretum is making a positive impact in our community through horticulture, education and tourism. Some exciting examples include:

Evaluating 16,000 trees & shrubs for their use in Ohio forests and landscapes

Educating more than 20,000 people annually on science and the environment

BECOME A MEMBER

Membership in The Dawes Arboretum is the best way to keep informed of Arboretum activities and at the same time support our mission of increasing the love and knowledge of trees, history and the natural world. Whether you are looking to receive regular updates on events, show your support for this wonderful community resource, or benefit from discounts on programming—Arboretum membership is for you!

VOLUNTEER

Volunteering at The Dawes Arboretum allows you to spend time in a beautiful setting, work alongside professionals, learn about the natural world around you, and socialize with people who share similar interests. There are a tremendous number of opportunities to get involved. For more specific information about opportunities, please contact Suki Christy, at 740.323.2355 or srchristy@dawesarb.org.

]]>http://dawesarb.org/blog/85years/feed/0Plant Sale Sneak Peek!http://dawesarb.org/blog/plantsale2014/
http://dawesarb.org/blog/plantsale2014/#commentsThu, 08 May 2014 18:48:43 +0000http://dawesarb.org/?p=2815by Mike Ecker, Director of Horticulture | Plant Sale & Garden Fair will soon be here and Arboretum staff are already prepping and planning for the sale happening May 17. Each year we continue to update and improve our offerings and it always seems to end successfully… more, I suspect, from dedicated buyers and […]

Plant Sale & Garden Fair will soon be here and Arboretum staff are already prepping and planning for the sale happening May 17. Each year we continue to update and improve our offerings and it always seems to end successfully… more, I suspect, from dedicated buyers and diversity offered than by any magic on our part. And lots of diversity this year! Too much to list them all in a blog, but a few highlights for which I have a special affinity:

First, evergreens – upright white fir, Abies concolor ‘Pyramidalis’ high on my list with one in my landscape. How it has avoided becoming someone’s Christmas tree, I don’t know. Blue, upright, tightly congested foliage and fast-growing. A real vertical accent that looks great by itself or with other conifers. Other evergreens I’ve found a site for in my garden: Gold Spangle sawara false cypress, a bright yellow, broadly conical form acting as exclamation in the border and a visual screen for my three-season porch; Beanpole Anglo-Japanese yew performing just as the name describes – another vertical accent, only dark green. Even though not evergreen, at this time I may as well mention hybrid Rhododendron periclymenoides x R. prinophyllumalso in my garden. Pink flowers with intense fragrance of wild phlox that I can’t walk by without stopping to enjoy.

Another special plant offered this year never failing to wow those with a botanical affinity: dwarf European hornbeam, Carpinus betulus ‘Columnaris Nana’ is a very compact, dense, slow-growing tree that works well with conifers because of its conical shape. Looks sheared without ever having been touched by pruners!

Lots of evergreens – bun-like dwarf mounds like Pine Glenn Norway spruce, Eagle Rock white spruce, Guldemond’s Dwarf eastern hemlock. First two are miniature, hemlock is compact – 20 year-old plant only about 6′ tall and wide. Again, no pruning! Have you ever admired the large Pinus densiflora ‘Oculus-draconis’, dragon’s-eye Japanese red pine, near Dawes Lake? Now’s your chance to nab one at this sale and put a bright yellow and green banded pine in your front yard. Won’t the neighbors be jealous?

Or perhaps you’re attracted to maples – Japanese maples ‘Trompenburg’ with dark purple-red foliage all summer, ‘Ryusen’ one of few, true weeping maples, or hornbeam maple (Acer carpinifolium – name describes leaves resembling hornbeam Carpinus – great for stumping “plant know-it-alls” trying to guess what it is). Sure doesn’t look like a maple at first glance.

And how could I leave out dogwoods? Vigorous ‘Summer Fun’ kousa dogwood with white and green foliage in summer, pink and red in fall, or kousa ‘Wolf Eyes,’ a challenging plant to establish but well worth the effort.